'Putin in underwear' artist flees to France

An artist who painted Russian President Vladimir Putin in women's underwear has fled to France, where it is believed he is seeking asylum.

Fearing arrest Russian artist Konstantin Altunin left Russia on Tuesday after having his work seized from an exhibition at a small museum in St Petersburg.

The painting was one of four taking by authorities, other artworks taken included a portrait of politician Vitaly Milonov, one of the creators of Russia’s controversial anti-gay laws,  depicted alongside a rainbow flag which is an international symbol of gay pride.

After authorities were alerted by a member of the public who believed the paintings were breaking the law, police armed with Kalashnikovs raided the Museum of Power on Tuesday to confiscate the artworks.

It has not yet been stated by authorities which laws the paintings break, but it is believed that the police may seek to press charges under the country’s recently passed controversial law banning the promotion of homosexuality to minors.

Vitaly Milonov, the creator of the new laws, visited the exhibition, later appearing on St Petersburg’s Echo radio station. The MP publicly dismissed the works of art as "tasteless, at the same level as a yob from a vocational college who scribbles in a toilet at a bus stop".

Defeated David Cameron loses commons vote on UK involvement in Syria

A government motion proposing that the UK takes military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for his alleged use of chemical weapons has been rejected.



The dramatic vote took place in the House of Commons last night, where the proposition was defeated by a total of 13 votes. As a western intervention in Syria seems imminent, a strong opposition from Labour and a Tory rebellion saw the government defeated 285 to 272 in its bid to involve the United Kingdom in the conflict.

The vote took place after a gruelling 8 hour debate at Westminster, which David Cameron used to make his case supporting British military involvement in Syria. Cameron agreed with the motion that: "A strong humanitarian response is required from the international community and that this may, if necessary, require military action"

During the debate the Prime Minister acknowledged concerns raised by previous conflicts, telling MPs: "I am deeply mindful of the lessons of previous conflicts... but this is not like Iraq."

However after leaving no doubt about his personal opinion on the matter, Cameron was unable to unify parliament, with the motion facing strong opposition from the Labour party and Cameron the victim of a Tory rebellion, with 30 Conservative MPs voting against their leader.

After the motion was rejected, a defeated and humiliated Cameron was forced to abandon his plan for military action, telling the House of Commons that: “I strongly believe in the need for a tough response to the use of chemical weapons. But I also believe in respecting the will of this House of Commons. It is clear to me that the British Parliament, reflecting the views of the British people, does not want to see British military action. I get that and the Government will act accordingly.”

Labour leader Ed Miliband happily expressed his relief with the outcome of the vote, stating:

"I think today the House of Commons spoke for the British people who said they didn't want a rush to war and I was determined we learned the lessons of Iraq and I'm glad we've made the Prime Minister see sense this evening.

"I think military intervention is now off the agenda for Britain and I'm afraid to say that's happened because the Prime Minister tried to go for an artificial political timetable for intervention, he tried to bypass the United Nations and I'm afraid he's got to learn the lesson Britain does not need that kind of cavalier leadership - it needs calm and measured leadership and I hope he takes that lesson out of what happened tonight and over the past few days.

Mr Miliband further added:  "It was cavalier and reckless leadership that was taking Britain potentially into war without going through the United Nations, without putting the evidence properly before the British Parliament and I think he should learn the lesson from this episode."

When asked regarding how the vote will effect relations between the United States and Britain, Ed Miliband said: "I think being and ally of the United States and having a special relationship with the United States cannot simply be about doing what the American president says he wants you to do."

A senior Labour MP resigned as a shadow minister prior to the vote. Jim Fitzpatrick quit his role after telling the Commons he was "opposed to military intervention in Syria, full stop".

Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary supported military action, but confirmed that the British military will not get involved in Syria, telling BBC's Newsnight: "I hoped we would carry the argument but we understand there is a deep well of suspicion about involvement in the Middle East."

The outcome of the vote will come as a shock and a concern to the Obama administration, which is likely to send troops to the conflict in the near future.

Concerning the result of the vote, a US military spokesman stated:

“We care about what the UK thinks. We value the parliamentary process but we're going to make the decision we need to make.”

Police have ability to block protester's Apple cameras during demonstrations

Apple has patented technology that would allow authorities to block electronic transmissions in any location they feel necessary.

Many concerns have already been raised regarding the issue, with fears that authorities could use the technology during protests to block the transmission of video or photographic evidence of their own brutality or unacceptable behaviour.

However, Apple have claimed that the technology is aimed to be used more often in cinemas, academic lectures, funerals and other venues where mobile devices should not be used. Nevertheless, they went on to further state that:

"Government operations may require complete 'blackout' conditions. The wireless transmission of sensitive information is one example of a threat to security."

Using GPS and WiFi a 'geofence' can be built, surrounding 'sensitive' locations within which an encoded signal is sent, deeming all recording functions on wireless devices useless.

Although Apple created the technology, the decision regarding how it is used will be beyond their control, with final say going to the government.

In their patent Apple further explained: "More and more people are carrying these devices in various social and professional settings. The result is that these wireless devices can often annoy, frustrate and even threaten people in sensitive areas."

Further examples given of 'sensitive' areas included religious ceremonies, theatres, concerts and meetings.

Apple's famous 1984 advertisement, aired just once, during The Super Bowl, is often regarded as one of the best adverts ever. Advertising the launch of the Apple Macintosh, their twist on Orwell's novel claimed that buying their product would help to fight a dystopia, with its release allowing people to 'see why 1984 won't be like 1984.'

Perhaps this could be regarded more fittingly, as one of the most ironic moments in television history. As it seems it is Apple's technology that is providing the government with the tools it needs to fulfil Orwell's prophecy.

Psychedelic drugs not linked to mental health problems

Using psychedelic drugs does not increase risk of developing mental illness


Research carried out by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggest that the use of LSD, magic mushrooms and peyote does not increase an individuals chances of developing mental health problems.

Data was analysed from 130,000 people, with 22,000 of these people stating that they had used psychedelic drugs at least once. The subjects were chosen at random from the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2001–2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

No links were found between psychedelic drug use and the development of mental health such as anxiety, psychosis and psychological distress.

In a statement released by NTNU psychologist Pål-Ørjan Johansen he said:

"Lifetime use of LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, or peyote, or past-year use of LSD, was not associated with a higher rate of mental health problems."

The study found that lifetime use of psilocybin - the active ingredient in mescaline and magic mushrooms - or past year use of LSD, were associated with reduced rates of psychological distress.  Lifetime users of LSD apparently sought less psychiatric help than their counterparts, with users receiving less health treatment and psychiatric drugs.

The study however, will more than likely receive little attention, as it fails to fit the agenda of the mainstream elite. This issue is summed up perfectly by late comedian Bill Hicks in the following link.

Positive Drug Story On The News - Bill Hicks

The detention of David Miranda - is the UK a democracy or a tyrannical dystopia?

A law that allows authorities to search and interrogate people without charge or arrest for nine hours? 

This law may sound like it exists in a George Orwell novel, sadly however it exists in 21st century Britain.Citizens seeking freedom of information are persecuted, privacy from government is endangered to near extinction and basic liberty has been deemed unimportant.

The aforementioned law is Schedule 7 of the UK's Terrorism Act 2000. The act has been brought to recent mainstream attention following the detention of David Miranda at Heathrow Airport. Mr Miranda was held and interrogated for the maximum amount of time allowed by law which is 9 hours.

Mr Miranda lives in Brazil with his partner, Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald, the reporter who interviewed whistle blower Edward Snowden earlier this year.

David Miranda (left) Glenn Greenwald (right)

Due to Schedule 7 authorities have the ability to stop travellers at airports and ports with rules and basic rights found elsewhere thrown out of the window. Suspects have no right to remain silent, have their possessions confiscated and may be detained for up to nine hours with no right to legal representation. Anyone suspected of being a terrorist can be questioned, but these laws have clearly been taken advantage of.

Mr Miranda was believed to have been on his way home to partner Glenn Greenwald before being detained at Heathrow as he changed flight from Berlin to Brazil. Mr Greenwald has since revealed that some of the items confiscated at Heathrow were encrypted computer hard-drives containing details about Mr Snowden that Mr Miranda intended to forward to Mr Greenwald.

The definition of the word terrorism is the use of violence or intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. It certainly sounds like our own government were the ones doing the intimidating here. I am lead to believe that David Cameron sanctioned the interrogation, with Downing Street admitting that the government was "kept abreast of the operation".

 The White House stated that they did not request the arrest but said that they had been informed about it from British officials.

Robert Plant is now officially an old age pensioner

Legendary rock vocalist Robert Plant, lead singer in the almighty Led Zeppelin turns 65 today, meaning that he has now reached the age of a pensioner.

 

Born Robert Anthony Plant, on August 20, 1948 in West Bromwich, Plant's distinctive vocals and image are recognized the world over, with many rock fans viewing him as the greatest front man of all time.

Alongside the iconic titan that was John Bonham on drums, the extraordinary guitar genius of Jimmy Page and the superb bass playing capabilities possessed by John Paul Jones, Plant performed as part of the godlike rock group that has been forever etched into the social consciousness.

The group combined their influences of old-fashioned blues artists such as Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson, with the psychedelic electricity of 60's guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix to perfect their own powerfully unique and everlasting sound that will continue to influence and inspire as long as musical instruments or the human race survive.

Legendary tales of deviance and debauchery surrounded the band, deemed outlaws from the main stream with their long hair, flamboyant clothes and anarchic behaviour creating a staunch contrast with the previous generation. Claims that the band was made up of demons, producing satanic music were not uncommon, with several disillusioned people playing Stairway to Heaven backwards, played a message from Lucifer himself.  

The foursome disbanded in 1980, due to the untimely death of charismatic party animal Bonham. They have since re-united several times, initially for their inducement into the rock 'n' roll hall of fame in 1995, where they were joined on stage by the magnificent presence of Neil Young.

The band most recently re-united for a gig at the 02 arena in 2007, with Bonham's son Jason replacing him on drums. This gig confirmed the continuous widespread appeal of the group, with Guinness World Records naming it as the record for "Highest Demand for Tickets for One Music Concert."

Despite continuing to work since 1980, it is Plant's immortalized years as a member of the original line-up of Led Zeppelin for which he will be best remembered. His songwriting skills, virtuoso vocal ability and gigantic stage presence have allocated him a place in the hearts of millions worldwide ensuring that Plant will go down in history, alongside his band mates as one of the worlds greatest bands.
I am sure that I am not the only devoted fan that would like to say:

"Happy Birthday Robert Plant!" 

Facebook founder Zuckerberg's profile hacked to highlight bug

A Palestinian computer hacker has managed to access Mark Zuckerberg's private Facebook profile after the firm chose to ignore his claims that the companies security system was inadequate.

After the social network ignored his advice, computer engineer Khalil Shreateh decided to take matters into his own hands by posting onto the profile of the firm's founder and chief executive. 

After notifying the company of the security glitch and failing to receive an acceptable response, Mr Shreateh decided to draw attention to the issue. He chose to highlight the bug, which allowed users "walls" to receive messages from strangers, by posting on 28-year-old Zuckerberg's profile page the following:

Dear Mark Zuckerberg,

First sorry for breaking your privacy and post to your wall , i has no other choice to make after all the reports i sent to Facebook team.My name is KHALIL, from Palestine.couple days ago i discovered a serious Facebook exploit that allows Facebook users to post to other Facebook users timeline when they are not in friend list .i report that exploit twice , first time i got a replay that my link has an error while opening , other replay i got was “ sorry this is not a bug “ . both reports i sent from www.facebook.com/whitehat , and as you see iam not in your friend list and yet i can post to your timeline.

Mr Shreateh has since revealed the following correspondence, providing proof that he only resorted to hacking Zuckerberg after warning the company that others could exploit the hole in the system.



Facebook who run a bounty system, bribing hackers to reveal their findings, have announced they will not pay Mr Shreateh the usual $500 reward on offer for pointing out flaws in their software. They claimed this was because his actions had violated their "responsible disclosure policy".

Boomtown Fair 2013. The ‘UK’s Maddest City’

8th-11th August 2013

Once a year, for four days and nights the beautiful fields of Winchester, Hampshire are transformed into the most surreal and insane town in England. The name of that town is Boomtown. 

A madcap carnival for the civilly disobedient, Boomtown certainly lived up to its self-proclaimed title as the UK’s maddest city. A love for lunacy, a thirst for madness and a hunger for music united thousands of revellers, brought together temporarily, in this carnival of anarchy. Wonderfully crafted buildings created specifically for the festival built up the town, their unique decor providing the eyeballs with constant visual nourishment whilst their sound systems fulfilled everybody's auditory desires.

Visible in every direction there was a wonderfully abnormal sight , transvestite pirates, fully-gowned popes, Native Americans in tights, girls wearing nipple tassels, zombie doctors providing a small insight into the attire of the attendees.

Hugely dismayed when Toots & the Maytals were forced to pull out of this years festival, it turned out that even the absence of the legendary band could not dishearten the atmosphere. Their cancellation was due to the fact Toots Hibbert received a glass bottle to the head whilst  performing earlier this summer.

The Toots last minute replacement came in the form of Julian Marley, who opened the festival on the Lion’s Den stage. The stage was a magnificent Aztec temple,the height of a four-storey building and surrounded by woodland. From this temporary temple Julian performed a mixture of his own songs, such as 'Boom Draw,' alongside his legendary fathers work, singing 'covers of 'War' and 'Natty Dread'. The Daily Mail reported that Maximo Park and the Mystery Jets headlined the mainly reggae and dub festival, I can assure you that this was not the case.

A short wander around the site's several districts provided such wondrous novelties as a fire breathing mechanical dragon, a man playing a contraption made from a piano and a bicycle, whilst elsewhere a crazy dentist lured happy trippers into a placebo procedure.

An experience that will live with me forever will be The Arcadia Spectacular Stage. The Arcadia stage was incredibly surreal to witness, providing a futuristic stage and atmosphere like no other.  A magnificent, gigantic, metallic, fire-breathing, arachnid DJ booth, previously seen at this year’s Glastonbury festival the spectacle was truly mesmerizing .

I can only imagine what it is like to be an acrobat on the Arcadia Spectacular, performing maneuvers high above the crowd as heavy bass, flamethrowers and powerful strobe lights surround you.

The Arcadia Stage was to set the scene for the final leg of my Boomtown journey. Fire, fireworks and fluorescent lights lit up the southern sky as DJ Zinc played a highly varied set that included anything from DJ Hazard to the Fugees before handing the reigns to Calyx & Teebee.

Calyx & Teebee, closed the festival in excellent style offering all sorts of auditory and visual delights to stimulate the crowds senses. After returning to reality after the fair, I was to notice that the duo were quick to proclaim their appreciation for the colossal stage, using their official Facebook page to express their gratitude:

"MASSIVE thanks to everyone at Arcadia Spectacular - such a great collective of sincere and passionate people running the most incredible stage in existence."

Paper lanterns, sand and trees made up The hidden woods stage. The tropical enviroment offered a chilled, alternative vibe and played host to acts such as Musical Youth, Laid Blak, Solo Banton and General roots. 

 The vibrant Poco Loco stage was a new addition to this year's festival, playing a selection of funk, hip-hop and live bass music. The stage hosted a showcase set from emerging UK hip-hop label high focus and bands such as the Mad Caddies and China Shop Bull.

A giant boombox and a boxing ring made up the Boombox stage. The boxing ring provided a space for revellers to forget their inhibitions and get lost in the music and also a platform for dance-offs. This giant boombox contained the DJ booth, which was the platform for the likes of Stenchman to showcase their talents. His set turned out to be one of the surprise highlights of my festival, as he dropped music of any genre or tempo imaginable, mixed together perfectly. 

I also enjoyed exploring a great number of the smaller 'Inna-City Mini Venues,' as they were called in the programme. The Airport, Bodyshop, The Prohibition Den, the Rave Yard, Bling Bar, Funkington Manor, Town Hall all provided a hugely diverse selection of atmosphere and music within their own unique world.

I could have chosen to partake in anything ranging from African drumming circles, roller discos, Spiritual healing, carnival rides, dance-off competitions or a workshop teaching how to make a bean tin rocket stove. I didn't do any off these, things, but they were all on offer and combined together perfectly to broaden the activities available.

Outrageously named shops and stalls could not fail to be noticed, for instance the word 'Pootopia’ , will live with me for ever. 'Pootopia' was the name of an eco-friendly alternative to the dreaded public portaloos ran by a group of men with dreads. Another memory that will live with me forever is when,  relatively sober one morning I heard a siren and turned, my gaze met the ‘Police Rave Unit.’ A modified police DJ booth roaming the festival, starting miniature raves wherever it saw fit.

Now that I have re-entered civilization I am certain that I will never forget my visit to Boomtown, or anything else quite like it elsewhere. A world where normality ceased to exist, where there were no rules to be broken and thousands of souls were set free Boomtown represented to me a fully liberated society.